When Volunteers Overthrew Indra: A Heavenly Coup in the Tavatimsa Realm

If you’re still reeling from the last chapter of Indra’s story, buckle up — because what happens next might just be the most satisfying divine drama you’ve never heard. This time, Nai Mu, our mystical storyteller from God’s City on Ticy City, returns to finish the tale — one that ends with Indra dethroned and replaced by a humble human turned heavenly ruler.

That’s right. This is the story of how a group of ordinary men with extraordinary hearts rose up, staged a celestial revolution, and changed the fate of the Tavatimsa Heaven forever.

Indra: A God Gone Rogue

Though revered in temples, murals, and even on the official seal of Bangkok, the old Indra wasn’t exactly a model of divine discipline. Known as Thao Samporn, he lived lavishly — indulging in oceans of wine, surrounded by 92 official consorts and over 24 million heavenly attendants. His rule was decadent and distracted, with the throne teetering under the weight of his unchecked desires.

Enter Mr. Makha: The Man Who Paved the Way to Heaven

Far from the clouds of indulgence, a mortal named Mr. Makha was quietly doing good on Earth — clearing paths, cleaning resting spots, and helping travelers, all without asking for anything in return. When asked where his road was headed, his answer was simple:
“To heaven.”

His selfless acts inspired others. One by one, 32 more volunteers joined him. Together, these 33 men became known for their virtue and dedication, drawing admiration from some and suspicion from others. Power, after all, doesn’t always like goodness. Accused of rebellion, they were sentenced to death by elephant. But instead of crushing them, the elephant bowed in reverence.

Even the king was stunned.

When asked how they’d survived, Mr. Makha answered, “We live by virtue.” The king, impressed, spared them and gifted the sacred elephant as a reward.

A Coup in Heaven

Upon their deaths, Mr. Makha and his 32 companions, along with the elephant, were reborn as celestial beings in the Tavatimsa Heaven. But they didn’t just enjoy the afterlife — they took action. Their first mission: overthrow the old Indra, the very Thao Samporn who’d let power corrupt him.

The coup succeeded.

Thao Samporn was cast down from heaven, reborn beneath the Himalayas as a being named Vepacitti, destined to rule a shadowy underworld kingdom that mirrored heaven — but lacked one thing: the sacred Parijata flower.

Each time a similar blossom appeared on Earth, it sparked memories of his former glory, driving him to launch fruitless battles to reclaim his old seat. But every time, he was defeated.

A Ruler Rooted in Righteousness

As the new Indra, Mr. Makha became a beacon of morality. He appears throughout Buddhist lore — plucking a three-stringed lute to nudge Prince Siddhartha toward the Middle Path, and preparing golden, silver, and crystal stairways to escort the Buddha back to Earth after his 7th rainy-season retreat in the heavenly realm.

That moment, when the Tavatimsa Heaven, Earth, and even the underworld were opened for all to witness the Buddha’s return, remains one of the most symbolic in spiritual storytelling.

Love, Rebirth, and Redemption

Indra’s story isn’t just about power — it’s about love and redemption too. His four celestial queens — Sunandā, Sujittrā, Sutammā, and Suchādā — all shared past lives with Mr. Makha. The first three had joined in his good deeds and were rewarded with divine rebirth.

Suchādā, however, had chosen idleness. Reborn as a heron, she was found again by Indra, who gave her a chance to redeem herself. But transformation takes time. After several lifetimes — including one as a potter’s daughter and later as the daughter of Vepacitti, the former Indra — she finally ascended back to heaven, choosing a suitor no one expected: an old demon cloaked in radiant light.

It was Indra, once again, come to bring her home.

Indra’s Many Names, One Legacy

Today, the deity is known by many names: Sakka Devaraja, Amarindra, Sahassanayana, Kosia, and more. He remains a symbol of virtue, spiritual leadership, and divine justice. And yes — that emerald-green seal of Bangkok, with Indra riding the three-headed elephant Erawan? That’s him too.

From palace coups to poetic reunions, the saga of Indra shows that no matter how high the throne, it’s character — not power — that truly earns a place among the gods.

Written by: Nai Mu